Restoring and Monitoring Nature Reserves

In January 2005, the Islands Trust Conservancy acquired two parcels of land west of Brigade Bay, on Gambier Island. The Brigade Bay Bluffs and Long Bay Wetland areas were donated to the Islands Trust Conservancy (ITC) by Coastland Wood Industries Ltd. and Mike Jenks as part of the Brigade Bay subdivision. The ITC established the Brigade Bay Bluffs and Long Bay Wetland Nature Reserves to facilitate their mandate of protecting special areas.

The Mount Artaban Nature Reserve (MANR) was protected by the Islands Trust Conservancy in 2008 after a transfer through the provincial Free Crown Grant program. This acquisition was made possible by a fund raising campaign conducted by the Gambier Island Conservancy. It raised over $47,000  which was used to cover the cost of an official land survey and the creation of a management plan. When combined with neighbouring parks, the protected area is now a contiguous 525 hectare area — 25% larger than Stanley Park.

Click here to see the tribute plaque to the donors.

The Gambier Island Conservancy and the Sunshine Coast Conservation Association are registered as joint holders of  conservation covenants on the three nature reserves. The Gambier Island Conservancy participates in annual one-day monitoring visits to the nature reserves. Using funds from the ITC,  it has also organized four one-day restoration work parties to plant and protect trees in the Brigade Bay Bluffs and Long Bay Wetlands Nature Reserves.

We welcome volunteers to join us on our annual work parties. Lunch and transportation costs are covered.